The boss (LR) of the Senate, Gérard Larcher tackles the unprecedented "verticality" of power under the mandate of Emmanuel Macron.
He calls for "a change of method".
Emmanuel Macron he made the right decisions on Wednesday?
GÉRARD LARCHER.
The tension on the resuscitation services was becoming critical, the President of the Republic had to act.
The only real announcement is the closure of schools, colleges and high schools.
This decision was necessary; it had become inevitable because of the health situation, it is not without consequences for children and young people.
I take note, many of us asked for it.
We have wasted time and I hope it will be sufficient.
I also take note of the president's statement on the creation of resuscitation beds, we must quickly tell us the method because we have been waiting for a year.
The head of state had made the bet not to reconfine.
Was this a mistake?
When the President makes his decision in January, I am not criticizing it: it is taken in the light of a set of factors, I have always said that re-containment should be avoided at all costs.
For a year now, France has suffered as this crisis requires responsiveness.
The executive has never been in anticipation.
One has the impression of a president alone.
We live in the Republic of the Oracle and in the cacophony of the incessant and contradictory speeches of the members of the government.
I say it solemnly, we cannot continue like this.
We never reached this level of verticality under the Fifth Republic.
I call for a change of method.
Exactly, Jean Castex summons Parliament this Thursday for a debate with a vote ...
We have always asked that Parliament debate and be involved in decision-making.
What we are asked today, beyond an always useful debate, is to vote on decisions already taken!
Parliament is not a registration chamber.
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Vaccination slips.
Whose fault is it ?
There is no other way out: you need doses, doses, doses.
On this, France and Europe are late.
There is a responsibility of the European Union (EU), too slow, too bureaucratic.
In the markets, people called out to me: the EU exported 70 million vaccines, notably to the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan.
It's incomprehensible !
Europe must be demanding and firm with those who are not in the Union.
Should the regional and departmental elections be maintained in June?
We must respect the electoral calendar.
We cannot refuse to confine the country and confine democracy.
The scientific council has issued its report and notes that other countries have organized their elections.
In the Netherlands, the participation rate was even incredible, in Germany, in Portugal…!
He indicates that 30 million French people should be vaccinated in June and that finally, the situation in September does not give us any assurance.
So let us know how to adapt to the situation, as we have been able to do since the start of this pandemic.
The postponement of the elections can only intervene in case of absolute necessity.
The Senate made proposals.
What do you recommend?
We had obtained the double power of attorney.
But that's not enough: you also need a massive TV campaign, the distribution of leaflets in the open air, a maximum digital campaign and voting outside when possible.
Regarding the constitutional reform on the climate, on which a majority of LR deputies abstained, what will be the position of the senatorial majority?
We will look at it openly.
I am still a little surprised not to have had any discussion on this subject yet with the President of the Republic, to the point that I wonder if he really cares about this text!
We will obviously have a debate on the need to give the climate and environmental issue a preeminence over fundamental freedoms.
Health or entrepreneurial freedom cannot be secondary rights.
Xavier Bertrand formalized his candidacy for the presidential election.
Does the right finally hold its candidate?
Xavier Bertrand is master of his calendar and his strategy.
It is his freedom, I have no comments to make.
I put a simple equation: if the line has two candidates in the first round, it will not be in the second.
If a candidate asserts himself naturally in September, I will be fully behind him or her.
If this is not the case, it will then be necessary to go through a tiebreaker method.
This is what I continue to work on with a number of politicians, notably Christian Jacob.
I want to complete this work at the end of June.
Xavier Bertrand said he would be a candidate anyway.
Isn't this approach in vain?
He is a responsible politician.
I am sure he wishes to contribute to this alternative.
It can be this alternative but there are others.
Can Edouard Philippe play a role in this scenario?
He left our political family. But one is not Prime Minister for three years without having a strong legitimacy to say things. He has experience. I appreciate the relationship I have with him… including our disagreements.
